Legendary NY rapper Styles P. shares his thoughts on rappers like Kanye West and A$AP Rocky wearing skirts, and how he would react if his teenage son followed the trend. Styles P. also reflects on artists realizing the impact that they have on culture, including what they wear.
via:vladtv.com
Big Sean talks about some of the key tracks from the forth-coming ‘Hall Of Fame’ album.
MTV’s annual Hottest MC’s In The Game list and debate is underway and Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, Meek Mill & Future have already made the cut. Although there should be no question that they make the list, where they landed chronologically has already caused drama since Pusha T and French Montana didn’t make the top 10.
Meek Mill kicked off the list at the #10 spot:
While he prepped his debut album, Dreams and Nightmares, the MMG rapper kept busy early in the year with features on Rick Ross’ Rich Forever mixtape, in addition to appearances on remixes of tracks like Wale’s “Slight Work” and Tyga’s “Rack City.”
By spring, he delivered a brand-new body of work on his Dreamchasers 2 mixtape, which included the smash “Amen” (featuring Drake) and other notables like “Racked Up Shawty” with Fabolous. Even Jay-Z took notice, signing Meek to a Roc Nation management deal while his tape was still in heavy rotation.
Just over a month later, MMG dropped their Self Made Vol. 2 album, which found the Philadelphia rapper spitting hard on tracks like the eight-minute posse cut “Power Circle.” His audience was primed and ready for Meek’s debut, which finally dropped in October, debuting at #2 with 165,000 copies sold.
After Meek, Future landed at #9:
What began as a strictly underground run began to take off in 2011 with Future’s “Tony Montana” single and its Drake-assisted remix. During 2012, however, Future sky-rocketed to new heights with high-powered pop hooks, while still keeping his hold on the streets. His mix of melodic arrangements and raspy rap bars were a sure-shot formula for some of the year’s biggest hits.
Harlem’s A$AP Rocky came in at #8:
From the Rick Owens leathers to the Balenciaga finery, there’s no denying A$AP Rocky is a certified fashion killa (you can check his influence in other rapper’s closets). But the Harlem upstart spits more than designer labels from that gold-plated mouth. He followed his lean-drenched mixtape, Live.Love.A$AP, with a chart-topping debut that shows off his versatility and a penchant for crossing state lines when it comes to flow.
And while that helped Rocky to earn the title of #8 Hottest MC in the Game, Pretty Flacko’s buzz and his grasp on the intangibles also put him in contention for our list. RapFix Blog Editor Nadeksa Alexis laughed, “I don’t even know if we’re still using the word ‘swag,’ but that’s all him, and everyone sees that.”
Hey probably won’t agree, but at #7 is Kanye West:
In 2012, Yeezy hit the stage to embark on the European leg of his Watch the Throne Tour with partner Jay-Z. He also showed off his in-studio expertise with tracks like G.O.O.D’s double-platinum, #1 rap hit “Mercy,” the venomous “Cold” and the top-five hit “Clique,” proving he could deliver on our criteria for sales.
But West was also unstoppable when it came to impact. He extended his hand to upstart Chicago rookie rapper Chief Keef when he remixed his breakout single “I Don’t Like.” He did the same for 2 Chainz, appearing on the Atlanta rapper’s “Birthday Song” and somehow managed to find time to jump on a remix of Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” references included.
Lastly, for now, was Big Sean in at #6:
Already known for his catchy ad-libs, Big Sean really established himself as a cultural fixture in 2012, beginning with his verse and hook on G.O.O.D. Music‘s Grammy-nominated single “Mercy,” which made the word “swerve” a fixation in the process. A few months later, he surprised fans when he appeared alongside — and held his own — the Throne on “Clique.”
Before you get all emotional about these picks, keep in mind that the criteria is based on impact, lyrics, sales, buzz, style and intangible.
With that said, let us know what you think of the list so far in the comments. The #1 spot will be announce on Thursday, March 7 during the Hottest MCs In The Game VIII special that airs at 1o p.m. ET on MTV Jams.
VIA;HIPHOPWIRED.COM
It looks line one of G.O.O.D. Music’s biggest stars is now setting his sights on the world of fashion. In a recent press release, it was revealed that Big Seanhas officially launched a new fashion and lifestyle brand Aura Gold. The Detroit rapper is set to debut Aura Gold’s new “Finally Famous” line at ProjectMVMNT convention inLas Vegas later this week. “Launching my own label is a dream come true for me,” he told the press. “Even though I have a lot to learn about fashion and the industry, I do know what I like and the small details that make something stand out to me. I look forward to evolving the line with more colors, fabrications and offerings to show the other dimensions of my style progression over time.” According to reports, the “Finally Famous” line will feature select designs of t-shirts, hats, pants, sweatshirts and jackets. Vibe also got an exclusive look at some of the emcee’s new clothing items in its upcoming February/March 2013 Style issue. Aura Gold isn’t Big Sean’s first entry in the world of fashion. Last year, he collaborated with Adidas on a pair of custom Pro Model sneakers in honor of his upcoming sophomore release Hall of Fame: Memoirs of a Detroit Player.
Images of his new collection can be found below courtesy of Vibe.
Mary J. Blige was the special honoree at the Vibe magazine Impact Awards in Los Angeles Friday (Feb. 8). Blige was singled out for her longstanding music career as well as relationship with the publication, of which she has been on the cover of 10 times. Diddy, Queen Latifah, Big Sean and Jermaine Durpi were some of Blige’s industry friends who showed up to give her their support. A tribute video, featuring others close Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, was played at the ceremony. Oprah, Keri Hilson, Big Sean, Common, T.I., Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Anita Baker shared qualities that they love about Blige during the recording. Baker also spoke at the ceremony, crediting Blige with some of her career success. The night was also a celebration of Vibe magazine’s 20 years in the game, and kicked off a year-long list of similar events. For the last two decades, Vibe has worked its way to become one of the most successful brand names in Hip-Hop by staying on the cutting edge with its content. Malibu RED and Sole Impact sponsored the awards show, while guests dined on a three course meal, and complementary drinks from the company. Nick Cannon acted as DJ for the Impact Awards after party, which was attended by Prince, MC Lyte, Too $hort and more. See photos below.
Kanye West is no stranger to hoaxes when it comes to album details. Today’s big rumor courtesy of social media is the existence of Rich Black American.
After a photo sprung online of what looks like Kanye West’s next solo album, Twitter has been ablaze of Yeezy’s next solo project. While the supposed feature guest lineup would include artists such as Pusha T, Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Florence Welch, Skrillex and Big Sean, not everything here is as dismissive as most rumors like these would seem. Skrillex has been quoted in the past stating that he would be working with Kanye on his next solo album as well as Frank Ocean. Moreover, a song titled “Perfect Bi**h” appears on this album, a song Yeezy stated in earlier tweets that is about his current girlfriend and future mother of his child, Kim Kardashian. Mr. West was previously the victim of another online hoax involving album details when a website called Black American Psycho with a release date went viral. That website turned out to be nothing but a farce. This picture might be in the same vein as that website, but until it is disputed we won’t know for sure. Check back for more details.
via:hiphopdx.com
The winter just got colder for G.O.O.D. Music fans. In a recent interview, Chicago rapper and actor Common reveals that the collective’s allege Cruel Winter project will not be released. Shortly after Cruel Summer‘s release, Pusha T and Big Sean hinted at a Cruel Winter follow up that would use material that didn’t make the just release album. The former went further and said that it was “a Q-Tip/Kanye West thing.” However, Common tells Vulture that solo records are the team’s priority at the moment. “Oh, yeah, nah, nah. I don’t think that’s happening,” said Common when asked about the project. “It was more of a rumor — cats been creating, but everybody’s been doing their solo album. So that’s what that is.” The “I Used to Love H.E.R.” rapper also revealed that he’s looking to use multiple producers for his new album, and is considering the likes of Travi$ Scott, No I.D., 88-Keys and Hit-Boy. “This has been the first time I’m open to working and not having just one, two producers and that’s it,” he added. While promoting his latest film, Luv, Common revealed that he plans to drop a mixtape, his first, before the release of his proper album in the fall. Considering that Cruel Summer was released with only a week left in its namesake season, don’t count out a Cruel Winter project (maybe a mixtape?) just yet.
via:hiphopwired.com
